Online Exhibitions

Keir Hardie - 100 years on

Burgh of Kilmarnock Freedom Casket

Period:

20th Century

Description:

The Freedom of the Burgh of Kilmarnock was presented to Andrew
Fisher in this casket. The ceremony took place in 1911 when Fisher
made a visit to Kilmarnock and Crosshouse whilst in Britain for the
coronation of George V. He was Prime Minister of Australia at the
time.

Inscribed on the lid of the casket are the words; "Presented to
the Right Honourable Andrew Fisher P.C. Premier of the Commonwealth
Australia by the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the Burgh
of Kilmarnock on his being admitted a Burgess and Freeman of the
Burgh. 5th July, 1911". The sides of the casket are decorated with
scenes of the Dick Institute, the Burns Monument, Kilmarnock Cross
in both 1824 and 1911 and Busby Castle, Crosshouse. The lid is
decorated with a design of thistles. The Burgh of Kilmarnock Coat
of Arms appear on the lid and on the front.

Purchased 1993 with Assistance from the National Fund for
Acquisitions administered with Government Funds by the National
Museums of Scotland.